Ming Dynasty

This Visual History Primer is an introduction to China's Qin dynasty. It covers topics such as the Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi (the First Emperor), Legalism, the archaeology of the Qin dynasty, the terracotta army, and more. For ease of reading, the text is in one full-color PDF and is similar to a textbook chapter. It is beautifully illustrated with photographs, many taken on-site, to make the ancient Qin dynasty come alive.

This printable page of guided notes is for a video about bronze focusing on a Shang Dynasty bronze vessel in the shape of a rhinoceros. It includes a word bank and paragraphs with blank spaces for students to fill in.

This information text/reading comprehension "bundle" on Shang dynasty covers topics such as the history of the Shang, ancestor worship, early Chinese writing, oracle bones, bronze metallurgy, jade, and more. For ease of reading, the text is in one full-color PDF and is similar to a textbook chapter. It is beautifully illustrated with photographs, many taken on-site, to make the ancient Shang dynasty come alive.

This primary source activity focuses on a bronze vessel from Shang dynasty China to help students learn to look closely and use that visual evidence to make a claim. It also helps them understand the value of art and material culture as primary sources, which are important for learning about many different ancient cultures!